Do your desserts seem like they're all beginning to resemble one another—some whipped cream, sliced fruits, perhaps a biscuit crust? You're not alone. Everyone is looking to create something quick but still visually appealing, particularly if you're serving children or attempting to put a fun spin on a meal. Now here's the catch: you don't need to overhaul your entire recipe to mix things up. Occasionally, you simply need one clever trick. Such as using Gems. Yes, those shiny, crunchy little snacks we all enjoyed (and still sneak) as children.
Think of them as more than just a snack. Used the right way, Gems add color, surprise and a bit of nostalgia to your parfaits. They’re the Indian answer to sprinkles—but with a better bite and more personality. Whether it’s a weekend get-together, a festive table, or just something different for a regular day, these little buttons can do more than sit on top of a cake.
Let's go step by step through five sneaky ways you can spruce up your parfaits with Gems—and some pro tips on how to make them successful every time.
Utilize Gems to coordinate with the party theme. Sorting Gems by color may take a little longer, but it is worth it. For an Independence Day party, choose for green, white, and orange Gems, layered between yogurt and fruit layers. Organizing a birthday party? Use two or three colors to coordinate with the party mood. It looks more put-together and less chaotic than using every color at once. Sorted Gems add a neat splash of color and prevent you from that 'done to death' effect.
Make your parfait glass party-ready. Before assembling, rim your serving glass with honey or sugar syrup and then coat in crushed Gems. It sticks wonderfully and provides a crunch from the initial bite. This is perfect for children's parties or if you wish to impress without much effort. The crushed Gems act like edible glitter but with added oomph. Chill the glasses for 10 minutes before filling them so the coating adheres better.
Include a full layer of Gems in the center of the parfait so it's concealed by a layer of curd or fruit. This creates a playful surprise when someone cuts in and hits a bright, unexpected layer. It's particularly wonderful for children or holiday meals where you want those little but delightful surprises. Be sure to place the Gems between layers that aren't too moist, so they won't become soggy too quickly.
Combine a scoop of Gems with mashed roasted almonds or cashews and a splash of honey. Allow the combination to set for a short time to lightly bind. Apply it as a top layer or even a middle layer. It adds a combination of crunch and color in a single step. It's also a clever way to make the toppings look more grown-up without losing that fun color scheme. It gives some depth to your decoration so that it doesn't just hover or sink.
Thread 3–4 Gems onto toothpicks as miniature skewers and put one on the top of every parfait glass. They resemble dessert flags. For a more playful spin, also alternate Gems with small pieces of fruit—try chunks of pineapple, grapes, and a red Gem on the top. The mini skewers automatically dress up a dull-looking parfait and can be easily popped off before being eaten, so they don't ruin the layers.
If you’re prepping the parfaits in advance, don’t add Gems until the last minute. Gems lose their crunch if they sit in curd or fruit juices for too long. The sugar shell gets soft and the colors can bleed into the dessert, turning it messy. So keep your Gems in a small bowl until right before serving. If you’re packing it for a party, carry the Gems separately and sprinkle just before laying out the dessert.
Gems are sweet on their own. If your base is too sugary—say, a dessert with condensed milk or sugary whipped cream—the whole thing can feel like a sugar bomb. Use curd or Greek yogurt with just a dash of jaggery or honey. It balances out the Gems and keeps the dessert tasting clean and light, even with all the color bits. This also brings out the natural flavor of the fruits better.
Chill your Gems in the freezer for around 10–15 minutes before placing them in the parfait. This keeps them super crunchy and prevents them from melting or bleeding color. It also provides a pleasant temperature contrast to the dessert, in the event that your parfait will be served on a hot day. Frozen Gems have a slight crack when you bite into them, which provides a tiny but pleasing variation to the experience.